‘Fountain’ Artist Slakes ULV’s Thirst for Cool Art

One of the paradoxes involving Southern California is that, despite being perched beside a vast ocean, many view it as a parched land under constant threat of drought.

Los Angeles-based artist Chris Oatey has created what he refers to as an optical paradox in his temporary large scale drawing, “Fountain,” on display through December 18, 2009, at the University of La Verne’s Tall Wall Space.

Oatey’s “Fountain” drawing combines grand scale with delicate subtlety. The piece was created with a template process that employed a giant quilt of carbon copy paper, traced of halftone dots that comprise an abstract, vertical stream of water that resembles a fountain.

“Fountain” can be viewed weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. The Tall Wall Space is open to the public and admission is free. A special reception for the artist will take place March 29, 2009 from 1-3 p.m. For additional information, contact Dion Johnson at (909) 593-3511 ext. 4273 or by e-mail at johnsond@ulv.edu.

Born in Cleveland, Oatey received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and later earned a Master of Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Now living and working in L.A, Oatey has had his work exhibited throughout California and across the country, including exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Ben Maltz Gallery (L.A.), See Line Gallery (Santa Monica), Works Gallery (San Jose), Center for the Arts (Eagle Rock), and Cranbrook Academy of Art (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.).

Tall Wall Space presents temporary exhibitions by young and emerging contemporary artists. It is a unique exhibition space that spans two stories and engages the interior of the Arts & Communications Building. It is located at 2016 D Street in La Verne, just north of Arrow Highway, on the east side of the university’s main campus. A map of the campus and parking information is available at www.ulv.edu/maps/.